PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, December 5

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

 

This support group is for anyone affected by childbearing loss, be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or even mourning a pregnancy after your baby is born. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen.

 

Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 4th, to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-591-9409.

DECEMBER PLAY GROUP

Thursday, December 6

3:00 to 5:00pm

Join us for two hours of play, socializing and support in the kids' section of the Athens Library. All ages are welcome!

JIVE! NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT

JIVE!  Athens' only family friendly New Year's Eve party!

Monday, December 31

5:00 to 7:30pm at Jackie O's

 

JIVE! is a fundraiser for The Birth Circle held at Jackie O's. Food, friends, dancing, silent auction and kid's activities with the ball dropping at 7:30pm so the little ones can enjoy the celebration too! Tickets go on sale December 1st and are $5 for children 3 and up, adults $15. Tickets can be bought at FLUFF Bakery (cash or check only) or online at http://www.athensbirthcircle.com/JIVE!/ via PayPal.  Last year we sold out early, so GET YOUR TICKETS SOON!

NO MONTHLY MEETING IN DECEMBER

Happy December!  There is no monthly meeting this month, but we have our NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY on December 31st!

BIRTH CONTROL AFTER BABY

Wednesday, November 28

from 7:00 to 8:30pm
at the Athens Library

Dr. Katy Kropf (of University Medical Associates) will give a presentation on various birth control options for after you've had your baby, plus parents will share what has and hasn't worked for them. From hormonal and non-hormonal methods to natural family planning.... When should you start? What is the best option for you? Will it affect breastfeeding? How safe is the method you're currently using? We'll address all of these questions and more.

TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD

Wednesday, November 14

6:00 to 7:30pm
**at the Coolville Elementary Library**

Becoming parents and growing a family can be joyful, overwhelming, and challenging in many ways. Bring your stories and concerns, and join us for a discussion among parents. We will also share birth stories, if there is interest. Everyone is welcome, including dads and babies!

INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesday, November 7

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

 

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen.

 

RSVP by Tuesday, November 6th to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-591-9409.

PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS CEREMONY AT SELLS PARK

On Sunday, October 28 at 3:00pm, the Athens Birth Circle will hold a ceremony at the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Bench at Sells Park, to honor and celebrate the short lives of babies lost through miscarriage and stillbirth. This year’s ceremony will include readings and a time of sharing. The event is open to the public, and children are welcome to attend. If parents are unable to attend the ceremony but would like their child’s name or due date spoken, or a particular poem or prayer read, they can contact The Birth Circle at:

www.athensbirthcircle.com
molly.wales@yahoo.com
740-591-9409

BABY WEARING

Wednesday, October 31
from 7:00 to 8:30pm
at the Athens Library

In this meeting we'll cover the many uses of a wide variety of slings and baby carriers, including demos by experienced moms. We'll also discuss the benefits and difficulties of baby wearing from birth through toddlerhood.

CANCELED: PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP FOR OCTOBER

The pregnancy loss support group this month has been canceled. If you are in urgent need of support or have questions about these groups, please don't hesitate to call or email: molly.wales@gmail.com or 740-591-9409.

PRENATAL TESTING: WHAT, HOW, WHY?

Wednesday, September 26

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Join us for a presentation by Dr. Catherine Coats, D.O., of Holzer Clinic, on prenatal testing (genetic testing, tests for fetal well-being, etc). She will talk about why testing is done, what are the limitations, and why some tests are optional while others are strongly recommended. Bring your questions and stories!

PLAY GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER

PLAY GROUP

Thursday, September 6

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of play, socializing and support. All ages are welcome!

CANCELED: INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP IN SEPTEMBER

The infertility support group this month has been canceled. If you are in urgent need of support or have questions about these groups, please don't hesitate to call or email: molly.wales@gmail.com or 740-591-9409.

PICNIC IN THE PARK

Wednesday, August 29

from 5:00 to 7:00pm

at the park on Richland Ave

Every summer we dedicate one meeting to visiting and having some fun before the busy school year begins! Bring a picnic dinner for your family (please note this is not a potluck) and socialize with Birth Circle families both new and old.

PAIN MANAGEMENT IN LABOR

Wednesday, July 25

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Local childbirth educators will talk about pain management techniques such as breathing, positions, visualizations, touch, and more. Jackie Jeffers, unit manager of O'Bleness Hospital's birth center, will discuss pain management options there. Join us to share your experiences and ask questions!

THANKS TO OUR JULY SPONSOR, YOR HEALTH!

Stay home with your baby with YOR Health! Come and learn how you can start a successful, part time, home business AND provide your family with perfect nutrition! Life changing products and an easy to learn system that provides you with residual income so you can not only be a stay at home Mom, but also provide for your family! Independent Representatives in your area are: Jackie Jeffers RN (740)541-3341 and Diamond Leader Melanie McPeak (740)503-7353. Come talk to us at the July 25th meeting.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, August 1

from 7:00 to 8:00pm


O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8



This support group is for anyone affected by childbearing loss, be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or even mourning a pregnancy after your baby is born. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, July 31st, to molly.wales@gmail.com or 740-591-9409.

8TH ANNUAL LA LECHE LEAGUE & BIRTH CIRCLE YARD SALE!!!

Saturday, August 18

8AM – 3PM

at 78 S. May Ave. Athens

Huge multi-family sale with loads of baby, kids, maternity- clothes, toys, and gear! Also household furniture, electronics and much more. All proceeds benefit LLL and The Birth Circle!

Donations accepted at 78 S. May Ave. (in the garage please) Aug 12th-17th.

To volunteer for the sale (please!!!), contact Kristen at klgwade@gmail.com.

Also, if you have tables and canopies that we could borrow, and trucks to haul away the leftovers, please let us know!

For questions call (740)274-0835

No May Meeting

There will be no monthly meeting in May.

Our next Monthly meeting will be

Wednesday, June 27

7 to 8:30pm

at The Athens Library

Infertility Support Group

Wednesday, June 6

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 5, to molly.wales or 740-591-9409

Play Group

Thursday, June 7

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of play, socialization and support. All ages are welcome!

Pregnancy & Baby Fair

Saturday, May 12th

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State

The Birth Circle's fourth annual Pregnancy & Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Win! Shop! Celebrate! Learn!

Schedule of events:

10:10am Performance and demo by Athens Irish Dancers

11:00am ATCO Vocal Choir - for Passion Works Studio Cake Auction

11:30am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-20 months

12:10pm Zumba demo

All Day Scavenger Hunt - visit each booth for more chances to win door prizes!

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sitting and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

20 mini portrait sessions (one sitting - 8x10 print or digital file) by Roberts Family Photography

BirthWorks childbirth education course

Kindermusik supply bag

Free nursing bras

Online Perinatal Education Series with Esali Birth

Gift sertificates and products from many local vendors

And much more!

Browse booths featuring:

OU-HCOM Little People’s Hospital Children’s Displays

unique baby products for sale (slings! bibs! shoes! diapers! toys! books!)

pregnancy accessories and belly painting

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

social service agencies

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

and much more!

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography

O'Bleness Health System

BirthWorks Childbirth Classes

CareSource

Power 105

University Medical Associates

Athens Book Center, Cassie Meek Photography, Esali Birth, Fluff Bakery, Holzer Clinic, Katy Kropf DO, Kindermusik, and Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Mothers Day Plant Sale

Sunday May 13th

from 10am to 3pm

120 Morris Ave., the garden of Angela Cross

Join The Birth Circle for our annual Mother's Day Plant Sale! Choose from a wide variety of plants including native, unique and exotic. Come treat your Mom to English Tea and a walk in the garden. All proceeds support The Birth Circle's programs.

Infertility Support Group

Wednesday, June 6

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 5, to molly.wales or 740-591-9409

Pregnancy & Baby Fair

Saturday, May 12th

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State

The Birth Circle's fourth annual Pregnancy & Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Win! Shop! Celebrate! Learn!

Schedule of events:

10:10am Performance and demo by Athens Irish Dancers

11:10am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-20 months

12:10pm Zumba demo

All Day Scavenger Hunt - visit each booth for more chances to win door prizes!

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sitting and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

20 mini portrait sessions (one sitting - 8x10 print or digital file) by Roberts Family Photography

BirthWorks childbirth education course

Kindermusik supply bag

Free nursing bras

Online Perinatal Education Series with Esali Birth

Gift sertificates and products from many local vendors

And much more!

Browse booths featuring:

OU-HCOM Little People’s Hospital Children’s Displays

unique baby products for sale (slings! bibs! shoes! diapers! toys! books!)

pregnancy accessories and belly painting

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

social service agencies

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

and much more!

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography

O'Bleness Health System

BirthWorks Childbirth Classes

CareSource

Power 105

University Medical Associates

Athens Book Center, Cassie Meek Photography, Esali Birth, Fluff Bakery, Holzer Clinic, Katy Kropf DO, Kindermusik, and Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Mothers Day Plant Sale

Sunday, May 13th

from 10am to 3pm

at 120 Morris Ave., home of Angela Cross

Join The Birth Circle for our annual Mother's Day Plant Sale! Choose from a wide variety of plants (both from Angela's English garden and from local nurseries), or simply come enjoy refreshements. All proceeds support The Birth Circle's programs.

Sharing Birth Stories

Wednesday, April 25

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Every year we dedicate one meeting to the sharing of birth stories. Whether your children were born last week or decades ago, we invite you to share your story or just sit and listen to others. All backgrounds, experiences and choices are honored at all Birth Circle events.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, May 2

from 7:00 to 8:00pm


O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8



This support group is for anyone affected by childbearing loss, be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or even mourning a pregnancy after your baby is born. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 1, to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120.

Pregnancy & Baby Fair

Saturday, May 12th

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State

The Birth Circle's fourth annual Pregnancy & Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Win! Shop! Celebrate! Learn!

Schedule of events:

10:10am Performance and demo by Athens Irish Dancers

11:10am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-20 months

12:10pm Zumba demo

All Day Scavenger Hunt - visit each booth for more chances to win door prizes!

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sitting and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

20 mini portrait sessions (one sitting - 8x10 print or digital file) by Roberts Family Photography

BirthWorks childbirth education course

Kindermusik supply bag

Free nursing bras

Online Perinatal Education Series with Esali Birth

Gift sertificates and products from many local vendors

And much more!

Browse booths featuring:

OU-HCOM Little People’s Hospital Children’s Displays

unique baby products for sale (slings! bibs! shoes! diapers! toys! books!)

pregnancy accessories and belly painting

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

social service agencies

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

and much more!

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography

O'Bleness Health System

BirthWorks Childbirth Classes

CareSource

Power 105

University Medical Associates

Athens Book Center, Cassie Meek Photography, Esali Birth, Fluff Bakery, Holzer Clinic, Katy Kropf DO, Kindermusik, and Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Infertility Support Group

Wednesday, June 6

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 5, to molly.wales or 740-591-9409

Play Group

Thursday, April 5

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of play, socialization and support. All ages are welcome!

Sharing Birth Stories

Wednesday, April 25th

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Every year we dedicate one meeting to the sharing of birth stories. Whether your children were born last week or decades ago, we invite you to share your story or just sit and listen to others. All backgrounds, experiences and choices are honored at all Birth Circle events.

Doll Making Workshop

Sunday, March 18
from 12-noon to 3pm
at ARTS/West

All children are welcome, though kids under 7 will be expected to make a doll with their parent. Light refreshments will be provided.

Celebrate the spirit of giving with this doll making workshop facilitated by Missy Whaley. Supplies will be provided and dolls will be donated to families in need for Christmas. The dolls will be soft and cuddly rabbits, offering warmth to a young child's being.

RSVP required to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120

Emergency Birth Workshop

Saturday, March 24
from 9:30am to 12-noon
at the Athens Library

Members of the community are invited to preview Basic Disaster Birth Support (BDBS) a new workshop developed by the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia and the Friends of Midwives of West Virginia. BDBS is designed to prepare community members to assist women in labor and birth during disasters when transport to a hospital is not an option. Midwives are the experts in childbirth without technological support. Learn what to do and what not to do to support a woman when the emergency situation prevents her from going to a hospital.

This event includes a video of births and community members are encouraged to use their discretion in attending.

The presenters are Ruth Walsh, CPM and Martha White, DEM.

*Please RSVP to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120

Mamarazzi!

Wednesday, March 28

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Tired of missing that great portrait of your babies and kids? What do the pros know that you don't? Come listen to baby and children's photographer Andi Roberts, of Roberts Family Photography, talk abou what it takes to get more great shots with the camera that you already have! Feel free to bring any questions and your camera.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, March 7

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for anyone affected by childbearing loss, be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or even mourning a pregnancy after your baby is born. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 6, to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120.

Doll Making Workshop

Sunday, March 18
from 12-noon to 3pm
at ARTS/West

All children are welcome, though kids under 7 will be expected to make a doll with their parent. Light refreshments will be provided.

Celebrate the spirit of giving with this doll making workshop facilitated by Missy Whaley. Supplies will be provided and dolls will be donated to families in need for Christmas. The dolls will be soft and cuddly rabbits, offering warmth to a young child's being.

RSVP required to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120

Emergency Birth Workshop

Saturday, March 24
from 9:30am to 12-noon
at the Athens Library

Members of the community are invited to preview Basic Disaster Birth Support (BDBS) a new workshop developed by the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia and the Friends of Midwives of West Virginia. BDBS is designed to prepare community members to assist women in labor and birth during disasters when transport to a hospital is not an option. Midwives are the experts in childbirth without technological support. Learn what to do and what not to do to support a woman when the emergency situation prevents her from going to a hospital.

This event includes a video of births and community members are encouraged to use their discretion in attending.

The presenters are Ruth Walsh, CPM and Martha White, DEM.

Please RSVP to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120

Primitive Birth: Survival of the Species in Our Modern World

Wednesday, February 29

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

We will explore the hormonal physiology of birth, the hard wiring of the female brain, and the importance of understanding its implications for the future of the human species, especially in the modern world. Sit back and enjoy this spirited explanation of how our "mommy brain" works! Presented by Dr. Sarita Bennett, DO, Midwife, and Ruth Ann Colby Martin, CPM, LM, of the Sacred Mountain Midwifery School.

Play Group

Thursday, March 1

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of play, socializing and support. All ages are welcome!

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, March 7

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for anyone affected by childbearing loss, be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or even mourning a pregnancy after your baby is born. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 6, to coralwedel@gmail.com or 740-593-8120.

Birth Circle Impact Survey

We really need your help.

Below is a link to a new survey that is intended to measure The Birth Circle's impact. It has 10 quick questions and is completely anonymous, and results will be used to help secure vital grant funding. We need at least 200 responses to get an accurate measure of our impact, and we need them as soon as possible, so please take a few minutes to help. We cannot emphasize enough how important this is to us, to our work, and to birthing families in our area. Thank you in advance for your time and input.

Please copy and paste into your browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W9CY529

Primitive Birth: Survival of the Species in Our Modern World

Wednesday, February 29

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

We will explore the hormonal physiology of birth, the hard wiring of the female brain, and the importance of understanding its implications for the future of the human species, especially in the modern world. Sit back and enjoy this spirited explanation of how our "mommy brain" works! Presented by Dr. Sarita Bennett, DO, Midwife, and Ruth Ann Colby Martin, CPM, LM, of the Sacred Mountain Midwifery School.

Birth Circle Impact Survey

We really need your help.

Below is a link to a new survey that is intended to measure The Birth Circle's impact. It has 10 quick questions and is completely anonymous, and results will be used to help secure vital grant funding. We need at least 200 responses to get an accurate measure of our impact, and we need them as soon as possible, so please take a few minutes to help. We cannot emphasize enough how important this is to us, to our work, and to birthing families in our area. Thank you in advance for your time and input.

Please copy and paste into your browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W9CY529

Infertility Support Group

Wednesday, February 1

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 31 to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-591-9409.

Primitive Birth: Survival of the Species in Our Modern World

Wednesday, February 29

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

We will explore the hormonal physiology of birth, the hard wiring of the female brain, and the importance of understanding its implications for the future of the human species, especially in the modern world. Sit back and enjoy this spirited explanation of how our "mommy brain" works! Presented by Dr. Sarita Bennett, DO, Midwife, and Ruth Ann Colby Martin, CPM, LM, of the Sacred Mountain Midwifery School.

Birth Circle Impact Survey

We really need your help.

Below is a link to a new survey that is intended to measure The Birth Circle's impact. It has 10 quick questions and is completely anonymous, and results will be used to help secure vital grant funding. We need at least 200 responses to get an accurate measure of our impact, and we need them as soon as possible, so please take a few minutes to help. We cannot emphasize enough how important this is to us, to our work, and to birthing families in our area. Thank you in advance for your time and input.

Please copy and paste into your browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W9CY529

Bed Sharing and Co-Sleeping: Truth vs. Fiction, Safety and Benefits

Wednesday, January 25

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens library

In this meeting we will address recent co-sleeping concerns, and will go over how to co-sleep and/or bed-share safely. Parents will share their experiences, and Dr. Penny Shelton will share a physician's perspective on why sleeping close to your baby benefits the whole family. Benefits include: Babies sleep and stay asleep better, breastfeeding is easier, parents and infants become more connected, and more. Bring your questions, concerns and stories!

*Thanks to this month's sponsor,Holistic Birth! Laura Post believes that birth is normal, safe and can even be enjoyable. Combining her background of HypnoBirthing, Prenatal and Postnatal yoga, Psychology and even Mathematics, she's created Holistic Birth educational classes, designed for parents birthing at any location. Holistic Birth provides concise, well researched information about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum time. Topics include anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and birth, proper nutrition, standard model of care, midwifery model of care, birth plans, tools for managing sensations and obstacles during birth and more. Classes are intended to build confident and truly prepared mamas and birth companions, two very essential ingredients for a healthy birth. Questions? Call 740-594-YOGA or emailtheholisitcmama@gmail.com.

Infertility Support Group

Wednesday, February 1

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 31 to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-591-9409.

Play Group

Thursday, March 1

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of play, socializing and support. All ages are welcome!

Infertility Support Group

Wednesday, February 1

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for people who are struggling with infertility and other fertility issues, including people who already have children but are having trouble getting pregnant again. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 31 to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-591-9409.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, January 4

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

O'Bleness Hospital, lower level room 8

This support group is for anyone affected by childbearing loss, be it miscarriage, stillbirth, or even mourning a pregnancy after your baby is born. These free groups are offered as a time of sharing and support, and are facilitated by a counseling professional. You can choose to share your story or just sit and listen. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 3rd, to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-591-9409.

Play Group

Thursday, January 5

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of play, socializing and support. All ages are welcome!

Bed Sharing and Co-Sleeping: Truth vs. Fiction, Safety and Benefits

Wednesday, January 25

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens library

In this meeting we will address recent co-sleeping concerns, and will go over how to co-sleep and/or bed-share safely. Parents will share their experiences, and Dr. Penny Shelton will share a physician's perspective on why sleeping close to your baby benefits the whole family. Benefits include: Babies sleep and stay asleep better, breastfeeding is easier, parents and infants become more connected, and more. Bring your questions, concerns and stories!

*Thanks to this month's sponsor, Holistic Birth! Laura Post believes that birth is normal, safe and can even be enjoyable. Combining her background of HypnoBirthing, Prenatal and Postnatal yoga, Psychology and even Mathematics, she's created Holistic Birth educational classes, designed for parents birthing at any location. Holistic Birth provides concise, well researched information about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum time. Topics include anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and birth, proper nutrition, standard model of care, midwifery model of care, birth plans, tools for managing sensations and obstacles during birth and more. Classes are intended to build confident and truly prepared mamas and birth companions, two very essential ingredients for a healthy birth. Questions? Call 740-594-YOGA or email theholisitcmama@gmail.com.